News

Jul 30, 2012
David Dubois, current president and CEO of the Forth Worth (Texas) Convention & Visitors Bureau, has been named the new president of the International Association of Exhibitions & Events. Doreen Biela, IAEE’s chair, announced the news, and Dubois’ appointment will be effective in October after current IAEE president Steven Hacker retires. "IAEE is fortunate to have enjoyed a lengthy CEO transition period, which permitted us to engage in a very comprehensive national search for our next chief staff executive and ensure a seamless leadership transition,” Biela… more
Jul 30, 2012
Packaging Machinery Manufacturers Institute, owner and producer of the PACK EXPO trade shows, has sold out its PACK EXPO International on tap Oct. 28-31 at Chicago’s McCormick Place. “The sold out status of PACK EXPO speaks volumes to its value as a showcase for the packaging and processing industries,” said Charles D. Yuska, president & CEO, PMMI. He added, “With space completely gone three months out, the show has surpassed even our expectations.” PACK EXPO International 2012 will be the largest edition of the show since 2002, with a record 1,800 plus… more
Jul 30, 2012
Summer might be a slow time for actual trade shows being held, but it’s been a busy time for new hires, signaling a boost in business. The Georgia World Congress Center recently announced the selection of Mark Adams as director of sales for the 3.9 million square foot facility. "We are all looking forward to the addition of Mark Adams to our GWCC team,” said Mark Zimmerman, general manager of the convention center. He added, “I am confident that with his experience he will make an immediate impact on our sales program.” Adams joins the GWCC after working as… more
Jul 30, 2012
NAB Show, in partnership with BPL Broadcast, will debut Connected Media World, an exhibit area set to launch at the 2013 NAB Show April 6-11 in Las Vegas.   “As consumers continue to connect with media and entertainment in new and different ways, it's imperative for content owners and distributors to understand how this evolution impacts business and the overall consumer experience,” said Chris Brown, NAB executive vice president, Conventions and Business Operations.     The new exhibit area will showcase technologies and services that are advancing how… more
Jul 29, 2012
Viad chalked up its eighth consecutive quarter of growth with second-quarter revenues for this year up 3.3 percent to $246.5 million, compared with $238.7 million during the same period last year. Net income also was up to $6.1 million in the second quarter this year, compared with $4.5 million during the same period last year. Positive second-quarter revenue results were driven by the U.S. Marketing & Events Group that saw an increase of 15 percent to $165.5 million, compared with $150.2 million during the same period last year. International results for the Marketing & Events… more
Jul 29, 2012
The city of Los Angeles likely is collectively sighing in relief since the Entertainment Software Association decided to keep the lucrative video game trade show E3 in town through 2015. Even though there were rumblings E3 was considering moving out because of planned construction of a new stadium that will impact the Los Angeles Convention Center where the show is held, ESA signed a new contract that will bring the show back to the city 2013, 2014 and 2015. “We are proud to partner with Los Angeles for another three years,” said Michael D. Gallagher, CEO of the ESA, which… more
Jul 25, 2012
The Face2Face Series is sponsored by MarketArt. Ride alongside Marian Bossard on her commute to work at the Toy Industry Association and you might catch her humming a few bars of one of her favorite songs, Bruce Springsteen’s “Thunder Road.” That’s because other than trade shows, music is one of Bossard’s biggest passions, from classical cello and Broadway show tunes to folk music and classic rock. In fact, if you happen to be anywhere near Bossard while she’s gearing up for Toy Fair, the massive toy industry trade show she oversees at the Jacob K.… more
Jul 25, 2012
The mergers and acquisitions market in the trade show industry is warming up after a few years of quiet times with the recent purchase of Vornado Realty Trust’s MMPI Canada by Informa for $53 million. The acquisition is a bright note in what has been a challenging period for Informa with some of it events businesses in Europe struggling. MMPI Canada produces 55 trade shows, conferences and consumer shows on an annual basis, and Informa organizes more than 8,500 worldwide conferences and courses annually. The Jordan, Edmiston Group, Inc., based in New York City, represented MMPI… more
Jul 24, 2012
The beauty industry is resilient and poised for renewed growth, according to show officials at Cosmoprof North America, the annual trade show and conference for beauty professionals held July 22-24 at the Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino. Although attendance and square footage were flat compared with 2011, when 23,500 attendees and 760 exhibitors occupied 189,750 net square feet of space, the event boasted an 11-percent increase in exhibitors, with 856 exhibiting companies spanning a bustling, well-organized trade showfloor. With its extensive range of cosmetics, hair and personal care… more
Jul 22, 2012
Four energy-related trade shows representing different aspects of the value chain will be collocated - China EPower, China Smart Gridtec exhibitions ,Wind Energy Exhibition and Conference and China International Power and Generating Sets Exhibition. The collocation of the four shows is the result of a joint venture between MP Zhongmao International (Shanghai) Pte Ltd and Shanghai Deray Exhibition Planning Co. Ltd. A new joint venture company, MPZhongmao Deray (Shanghai) International Pte Ltd (MPZD), has been set up to oversee the organization and operations of the shows. "The… more
Partner Voices
Overview: The award-winning Orange County Convention Center (OCCC) goes the extra mile to make every day extraordinary by offering customer service excellence and industry-leading partnerships. From their dedicated in-house Rigging team to their robust Exhibitor Services, The Center of Hospitality brings your imagination to life by helping you host unforgettable meetings and events. With more than 2 million square feet of exhibit space, world-class services and a dream destination, we are committed to making even the most ambitious conventions a reality. In October 2023, the Orange County Board of County Commissioners voted to approve allocating Tourist Development Tax funding for the $560 million Phase 5A completion of the OCCC. The Convention Way Grand Concourse project will include enhancements to the North-South Building, featuring an additional 60,000 square feet of meeting space, an 80,000- square-foot ballroom and new entry to the North-South Building along Convention Way. “We are thrilled to begin work on completing our North-South Building which will allow us to meet the growing needs of our clients,” said OCCC Executive Director Mark Tester. “As an economic driver for the community, this project will provide the Center with connectivity and meeting space to host more events and continue to infuse the local economy with new money and expanding business opportunities.” Amenities: The Center of Hospitality goes above and beyond by offering world-class customer service and industry-leading partnerships. From the largest convention center Wi-Fi network to custom LAN/WAN design, the Center takes pride in enhancing exhibitor and customer experience.  The OCCC is the exclusive provider of electricity (24-hour power at no additional cost), aerial rigging and lighting, water, natural gas and propane, compressed air, and cable TV services. Convenience The Center is at the epicenter of the destination, with an abundance of hotels, restaurants, and attractions within walking distance. Pedestrian bridges connect both buildings to more than 5,200 rooms and is within a 15-minute drive from the Orlando International Airport. The convenience of the location goes hand-in-hand with top notch service to help meet an event’s every need. Gold Key Members The OCCC’s Gold Key Members represent the best of the best when it comes to exceptional service and exclusive benefits for clients, exhibitors and guests. The Center’s Gold Key memberships with Universal Orlando Resort, SeaWorld Orlando and Walt Disney World greatly enhance meeting planner and attendee experiences offering world-renowned venues, immersive experiences and creative resources for their events. OCCC Events: This fiscal year, the OCCC is projected to host 168 events, 1.7 million attendees, and $2.9 billion in economic impact.  The Center’s top five events during their 2022-2023 fiscal year included:  AAU Jr. National Volleyball Championships 2023 200,000 Attendees $257 Million in Economic Impact MEGACON 2023 160,000 Attendees $205 Million in Economic Impact Open Championship Series 2023 69,500 Attendees $89 Million in Economic Impact Sunshine Classic 2023 42,000 Attendees $54 Million in Economic Impact Premiere Orlando 2023 42,000 Attendees $108 Million in Economic Impact